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Whistler boarders in junior worlds, nationals

The Whistler Valley Snowboard Club has successfully has put five riders in the junior world championships and 10 in the upcoming Canadian nationals.

The Whistler Valley Snowboard Club has successfully has put five riders in the junior world championships and 10 in the upcoming Canadian nationals.

From Whistler, Tim Orr (16), Mike Rencz (14) and Mercedes Nicoll (17) are in Sappada, Italy to compete in the eighth International Snowboard Federation (ISF) Junior World Championships, going up against more than 450 riders from over 30 countries. Two Australians who train with the club, Erin Franklin (17) and Belinda Olding (19) are also at the Junior Worlds.

Events include the halfpipe, boardercross, parallel giant slalom and giant slalom. Boardercross and alpine events were underway at press time, and the results had yet to be posted.

Once things have wrapped up in Italy, these athletes will be joining their teammates and heading to the Canadian National Snowboarding Championships from April 2 to 8, featuring dual GS, halfpipe, and boardercross events.

The list of Whistler athletes includes Tyler Massey, 15, Aaron Shapiro, 16, Mike Marsidi, Oliver Roy (25) Garett Newkirk (19), Jesse Kumlea (20), and Matt Friesen. Francois Ligeti also qualified, but recently broke his leg. Tom Clifford is also injured.